Cardiovascular disease remains one of the deadliest chronic diseases in developed and developing countries. Globally, an estimated 17.3 million people died from cardiovascular disease (CVD) in 2008 alone and by 2030 this figure is estimated to reach 23.6 million[1] deaths annually.

Although CVDs have decreased in developed countries, the trend is increasing in developing nations[2] .

In 2010, 25.4% (11,812) of deaths in Malaysian government hospitals were due to cardiovascular diseases and it is also the top cause of premature death, with about 35% of deaths from CVD occurring in individuals aged below sixty[3].

Cardiovascular diseases are expected to be a major concern in developing countries as they transition towards developed countries status, and may have a heavy toll on the health of those from lower-socio economic groups.

Malaysia is classified as a developing country with over 8,000 new heart patients reported annually, and accounting for 35% of deaths occurring in individuals aged below 60 years.

Realizing the need for awareness and education related to CVD, as well as the need for financial aid for underprivileged patients, Antabax, a proudly Malaysian brand, is partnering with 99 SPEEDMART, the largest mini-market chain in Malaysia on a charity fundraising campaign in aid of to the Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) Foundation.
IJN Foundation is a non-profit organization, with a mission to raise philanthropic support for the National Heart Institute or Institut Jantung Negara (IJN) towards the care of heart patients from low-income groups. This year marks the 20th Anniversary of IJN Foundation.

The campaign that will run from September 1 to November 30, 2015, will see 5% of sales from the Antabax antibacterial personal care range from any 99 SPEEDMART store nationwide channeled to the IJN Foundation in support of its Patient Assistance Program.

Antabax has held numerous CSR campaign to give back to Malaysians. Since its first CSR campaign in 2009, Antabax has contributed more than RM1 million in cash and product to various non-government organizations.

Ms Angeline Sim, Group Product Manager, Household & Personal Care, Marketing Division of Lam Soon Edible Oils Sdn Bhd said, “The rising cost of living, is also impacting the cost of heart disease treatment, with patients in the lower income bracket often struggling to pay for potentially life-saving procedures. While the funds we raise through this collaboration may not be enough to help everyone, if we can help even one patient that is an achievement.”

She added that education and awareness on heart disease and the risk factors that people should address is a first step.

“Technically we all know that we need to eat right, avoid certain types of foods, exercise more, sleep well and reduce stressors in our lives, but with all that we need to do daily finding time to stay healthy is tough, but we have to keep repeating the message until it gets through,” she said.

Mr. Simon Yong Kin Onn, Director, Management Information System, 99 Speed Mart Sdn Bhd said, “Some of you may know that our managing director, Mr Lee Thiam Wah, was stricken by polio when he was 8 months old. His parents were not from a well to do family, his father was a construction worker and his mother was a hawker but they did not abandon him, instead they provided what they could for him to be the best that he could be.”

“I feel for the children who are facing these serious heart conditions because they have as much potential as you or I have. We should come together to give them the chance of a full, long and useful life where they can explore paths untried to be future leaders, healers, thinkers and more.”

“This is why we are happy to partner with Antabax as the brand is like 99SPEEDMART, a truly Malaysian brand, a Malaysian favorite and has contributed so much to the community through their CSR campaign so far,” he said.

IJN Foundation disburses more than RM4 million every year through its Patient Assistance Program.
Yang Amat Berbahagia Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Dr. Hajjah Aishah Ong, Chairman, IJN Foundation said, “The foundation relies heavily on the generous support of kind donors to help those in need. It is our hope that other corporate organizations follow Antabax and 99 SPEEDMART noble efforts. This will truly help us at the foundation to continue our philanthropic mission to help those less fortunate.”

Since the foundation’s establishment in 1995 and until August 2015, the foundation’s Patient Assistance Program has provided assistance of approximately more than RM20million to more than 1,000 needy heart patients.

“We require a minimum of RM30,000 for each deserving patient, and much of this comes from corporate and individual donors. As cardiovascular disease is the leading cause of death in Malaysia, it is vital that funds are available to help more patients as it could save more lives for years to come” Toh Puan Dato’ Seri Dr. Hajjah Aishah Ong said.

Antabax will also provide its Carekits to all Institut Jantung Negara patients over a three month period.

To find out more about the “Have A Heart, Save A Life” Bersama Antabax & 99 SPEEDMART” campaign, please visitwww.facebook/NewAntabax.